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Sip away the chill with tasty hot toddy cocktail recipes

By Cristine Struble

A Hot Toddy is pictured at the Birdsall House in Peekskill, Oct. 28, 2020.Hot Toddy
A Hot Toddy is pictured at the Birdsall House in Peekskill, Oct. 28, 2020.Hot Toddy /
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From being surrounded by snow to a wintry wind blowing hard, those chilly temperatures have many people longing for a warm, comforting sip. Although coffee and coffee cocktails bring the warmth, these tasty hot toddy cocktail recipes soothe the soul.

The hot toddy cocktail has a slightly muddled history. Although the exact origin is debated, many people believe that it might be a cure all. Even if grandma’s chicken noodle soup might soothe the soul, many people believe that a hot toddy can alleviate many ailments. From the general malaise to the sore throat, that warm sip seems to make everything better.

While the basic hot toddy recipe is a classic, there are many variations. From different liquors to the level of sweetness, no two recipes are the same. Even some people add a secret ingredient or two that ensures the common cold becomes a distant memory.

Which tasty hot toddy cocktail recipes will you sip?

The basic hot toddy recipe is a brown liquor, a sweetener and hot water. Although never watered down, the simplicity of the cocktail entices many people. More importantly, there is an emphasis on choosing the liquor wisely. Like any good recipe, the ingredients matter.

Aberlour Hot Toddy

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Aberlour 12 YO
  • 1 tablespoon honey.
  • 0.5 oz lemon juice.
  • 1 cup hot water.

Method:

  • Combine ingredients in a glass tea mug and stir to combine. Enjoy it while it’s hot!

Although a bourbon or a scotch is common, it isn’t the only liquor that can be used. An aged rum is a great choice to bring a nuanced flavor to the glass. In this recipe from Bacardi, the aged rum has hints of vanilla, caramel and other notes that blend well with the honey and lemon. Forget the grog, this warm cocktail is soothing.

BACARDÍ Rum Toddy

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro rum
  • 3 oz Hot Water
  • 1/4 oz Honey
  • 1 Lemon Wedge

Method:

  • Pour hot water into a tempered glass mug. Squeeze the lemon wedge into the water, add honey, and stir until the honey is dissolved. Add BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro and stir gently. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon slice.

Since lemon is a common ingredient in a hot toddy, this cocktail makes lemonade the star of the glass. The Fishers Island Lemonade brings a brightness to the cocktail. But, be careful to just simmer the beverage. Too much heat will make this cocktail break down. The idea is to warm, not burn the palate.


FIL Hot Lemon Toddy

Ingredients:

  • 6 oz Fishers Island Lemonade (half can)
  • 1 oz Whiskey
  • 3+ Cinnamon Sticks

Directions:

  • Simmer FIL and two cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Pour into glass. Add floater of whiskey. Make 6-8 servings of the cocktail by using a four-pack of FIL, 3-4 oz of whiskey, and additional cinnamon sticks.
  • Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon wheel.

Sometimes a taste of the familiar can entice people to try something new. In this recipe, the traditional hot toddy gets a boost from Sorel. The use of Sorel numerous flavors including touches of ginger, cinnamon, clove, hibiscus and nutmeg.

Although this recipe has ingredients that might not be as common, it is the cocktail that will make people find a new appreciation for the hot toddy cocktail recipes.

Winter Sands Hot Toddy

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Sorel
  • 2 oz Uncle Nearest 1856
  • 3/4 oz Velvet Falernum
  • 4 oz Boiling Water

Directions:

  • In a glass or coffee mug, garnish with a lemon wheel and cinnamon stick

What hot toddy cocktail recipes piqued your interest? Do you enjoy one of these cocktails on a chilly night?

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